In a landmark ruling, a South Korean court has ordered a social media user to pay 500,000 won ($360; £265) for defaming the virtual K-pop boyband Plave. The group, whose members are animated characters voiced and performed by anonymous real-life individuals through motion-capture technology, has become a sensation in South Korea’s entertainment industry. The case, filed by Plave’s agency, Vlast, marks one of the first legal disputes involving virtual K-pop idols. The defendant had posted derogatory remarks online, including comments questioning the appearance and character of the real performers behind the avatars. The court ruled that attacks on widely recognized avatars also constitute defamation of the real individuals they represent. While Vlast sought 6.5 million won for each performer, the court awarded 100,000 won per person, citing the severity of the comments and the context of the incident. Vlast has appealed the decision, emphasizing the case’s significance in setting a precedent for protecting virtual avatars. Advocates argue that virtual idols can reduce the intense scrutiny faced by human performers, offering a new frontier in the K-pop industry.